“I will admit, I am happy with the recent results. We won against Fiorentina while playing good football and I’d like us to always have that hunger and winning mentality,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

“Can we get third place this season? My idea is clear: we need to get as many points as possible. Those currently ahead of us have the advantage, then we’ll see what everyone else does. We have to take it one game at a time, starting with Cagliari.

“I’d like Florence to be our turning point. I can’t wait for tomorrow’s game to see if we play the same way we did at the Stadio Franchi[13].”

Mauro Icardi marked his comeback with a goal last week and Mazzarri reveals he’s been taking a special interest in him.

“He is certainly doing better and trained fully. I also spoke to him personally and urged him to surpass his limits in training too.

“It is important that we have competition for places in attack. Ricky Alvarez is eclectic and surprised me, as he has pace and stamina. I didn’t think he would.”

The Coach also notes the return of Walter Samuel is no coincidence with the upturn in Inter’s results.

“I’d like to have one of Samuel in every area of the team. He has given us character. He goes beyond his means, putting something extra in and I see him as an example for everyone.

“Does Andrea Ranocchia risk missing out on a World Cup place? I can’t think about that, as I have to make my choices based on what is best for Inter. While Samuel continues to play like this, it’ll be tough to shove him out of the starting XI.

“As for Javier Zanetti, we have an exceptional rapport and he is very important for the side, but I make my choices.”

There are reports Hernanes could be out of action on Sunday after feeling the strain of recent games.

“Hernanes feels tired after every match and can’t train regularly, so I have to figure out what condition he’s in and see in every situation whether he can recover.”

Mazzarri was asked about Nemanja Vidic, who has practically agreed terms to join the Nerazzurri when his Manchester United contract expires in June.

“I only want to talk about the players at my disposal. It’s a waste to talk about transfers now. I only want to talk about Cagliari and my team for the rest of this season.”

Cagliari had a chaotic week[14] with reports Diego Lopez was set to be sacked and replaced by his assistant manager Ivo Pulga, only for the club to then dismiss Pulga instead.

“Lopez is admired by the players, so this incident got the team even more united and if anything it’ll be a psychological advantage for them.”